The Technology
In the past, studying the neuromuscular system of the back was very difficult, time-consuming and painful. A Lumbar Matrix™ Scan is non-invasive and uses high-speed computer processing of thousands of bioelectric signals. This allows the doctor to study all the neuromuscular activity of the low back in real time, providing extremely detailed point of care imaging that is both fast and easy to interpret.
The technology uses a patented large surface array of noninvasive electrodes placed on the lower back. The system collects and displays an image in less than two seconds and a full test takes less than 15 minutes.
A Lumbar Matrix Scan is based on a proprietary physiological imaging technique that displays neuromuscular activity. The imaging technique also utilizes a patented process which overlays the information on top of the specific muscle anatomy of the patient.
The Procedure
A Lumbar Matrix™ Scan is an FDA-cleared diagnostic procedure, which monitors and displays the bioelectric signals produced by the paraspinal neuromuscular system. A large surface array of 63 sensors (7x9) is placed on the back, using T7 & L4 as landmarks. The array is connected to a computer which is calibrated to read the neuromuscular activity covered by the electrode grid.
Three scans are captured by the software in each of three different stances:
- Standing relaxed with arms at sides (baseline)
- Body flexed at the hips to a 20° angle
- Standing with the arms outstretched in front holding a three-pound weight in each hand
The software translates the registered activity into a color grid, with slight activity represented by blue and red signifying intense contractility.
Baseline stance
Stance 2 - hips flexed 20°
Stance 3 - arms outstretched, holding 3lb. weights
